About: Patricia was the first black person to complete residency in ophthamology ( aaf·thuh·maa·luh·jee, the field in which you diagnosis and treat eye problems) back in 1973. She co-created the AIPB (American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness) The AIPB stated that “Eye sight is a basic human right” In 1986, Bath created the “Laserphaco Probe” where she patented the device in 1988, becoming the first black woman to recieve a medical patent. “The laserphaco probe (picture below) is a device used to laser the cataracts that reduces invasion and risk”

Early Life: Bath’s father was the first black motorman to work the NYC subway system. Bath’s family incouraged her to pursue academic interests, by buying her a chemistry set which created her interest in science. At 16, Bath joined a cancer research program. She also discovered that African-Americans were 2x more likely to suffer from blindness

Born: Nov 4th, 1942

Died: May 30th, 2019